"Kelly has been thinking out of the box her entire life."

-Bob Bowman, 5X Olympic Swim Coach, Michael Phelps’ Coach, ASU Head Coach

“Hi, I’m Kelly Palace. I’ve learned when life knocks you down, it could be opportunity knocking. I’m a podcaster, author of Take Your Mark, LEAD!, and co-founder of the international non-profit ITSAN.org"

My School of Hard Knocks

“As a leader, Kelly is someone who's been bloodied in the ring and triumphed, making her insights valuable and enlightening. You'll be inspired by Kelly's upbeat approach of, ‘Here's how you get it done, and yes, you can get it done!’"

-Dr. Kellie McElhaney, Executive Director, Center for Equity, Gender and Leadership, University of California, Berkeley, Business School

  • Battled out-of-control eczema and endured Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome for decades, which inspired me to start ITSAN (International Topical Steroid Awareness Network) and become a Certified Health Coach to empower others on their healing journeys through chronic illness.

  • Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, turned personal adversity into something positive by creating the Swimming Through Breast Cancer website to offer guidance and support to others going through a similar journey.

  • Personally experienced my first panic attack at the age of 4 years old, battling anxiety and depression on and off over the years. This compelled me to create the Depression and Anxiety Toolkit for Athletes.

  • Survived three divorces, learned valuable lessons in overcoming societal expectations which led me to my healthy, happy marriage of 20 years and counting.

  • Witnessed the impact of 9/11 first-hand while living and working in New York City, which fueled my drive to make a positive difference in the world and help those in need.

2022 US Masters Summer Nationals, Richmond, VA.

Getting Out of the Box

"Kelly Palace is a woman of action. She makes history and breaks glass ceilings. She doesn't let illness, fear, or anxiety stop her."

-Maria Parker, Winner of RAAM, World Record Endurance Cyclist, Champion’s Mojo Podcast Co-host

  • Co-Founder of ITSAN (International Topical Steroid Awareness Network), a nonprofit charity aimed at raising awareness about Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome, and has served as Co-Founder/President from 2009-2015. ITSAN has grown into a thriving global community providing resources and support for individuals, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

  • Founder and Host of the Champion’s Mojo Podcast, the first woman-hosted swimming podcast to reach #1 on Apple in 2023.

  • Holds multiple records as a Masters Swimmer, including World Record Setter with 4 World #1 Rankings (FINA) and 14 US #1 National Rankings in Masters swimming in 2021 and 2022.

  • First Women's Head Swim Coach in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) while at the University of South Carolina from 1990-1995.

  • One of only 5 women in world aquatics (FINA) history, aged 60-64, to break the 20-minute barrier in swimming the 1500 meters in 2022.

  • Earned one of the largest sales bonuses in Pfizer Pharmaceuticals history in 1998.

  • First "real" athlete to appear as a model in PLAYBOY magazine in 1983.

  • My top 5 VIA Character Strengths are creativity, gratitude, love, bravery and leadership.

  • My top value is health. Mahatma Gandhi nails it: “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold or silver.”

  • My happy place is in the pool swimming a challenging workout with friends or forest bathing.

  • My DISC assessment is a “D” for Driver, which means I’m motivated by results.

  • My favorite quote: “It is better to execute a good plan, than to never execute the perfect plan” , General George S. Patton.

  • FAVORITES: Music: R & B; Food: Smoked Almonds; Color: Green; Poem: “If” by Rudyard Kipling; Hobby: Dance/Ballet